Interventional Radiology
Interventional Radiology (IR) is a specialist field of Radiology. It includes biopsies, which take physical samples of a region of interest for analysis and diagnosis. It includes spinal and musculoskeletal injections as a form of pain management they are an alternative treatment for patients who are suffering from pain and not responding to conservative treatments.
Our specialty-trained Radiologists have vast experience and training delivering interventional radiology.
Our Radiologists have years of training in spinal injections, musculoskeletal injections and biopsies (including breast, thyroid and extremity) in a hospital setting and private. We perform these daily across our practices across Sydney. With Harbour Radiology, you will be able to discuss the procedure with our Radiologist before its commencement. All interventional radiology procedures are guided by at least one type of imaging, it most commonly is either Ultrasound or CT.
Common Interventional Radiology Uses and Diagnostic Procedures
Typical reasons for a patient requiring interventional radiology treatment options can be to reduce inflammation, provide long-term pain relief, help patients tolerate rehabilitative exercises or assist physicians in determining the cause of back pain. Our Radiologists have years of training in spinal injections. We perform these daily across our practices.
Prior to coming in, we require patients to undergo a diagnostic scan (usually at CT or MRI) so our doctor can review the images prior to the injection to accurately plan the procedure. If you have not had a prior diagnostic scan but do have a referral for a spinal injection please contact our reception team and we can assist in organising a diagnostic scan in addition to the intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How safe is interventional radiology?
All interventional radiology procedures are very safe with our highly experienced radiologists. There will be a small exposure to radiation as CT scanning takes place throughout the procedure.
Complications from these injections are extremely rare, and our radiologists are trained to deal with them if they arise.
If you have any concerns, please discuss them with your referring practitioner before receiving your referral.
How can I get an interventional radiology procedure?
All injections and biopsies via interventional radiology must be referred from a medical practitioner. Most procedures are usually referred after a scan has identified an area of the spine that has an abnormality.
You must discuss with your referring practitioner to determine whether an interventional radiology procedure is is right for you.
How much do interventional radiology procedures cost?
We bulk bill all interventional radiology procedures.
How long does an interventional radiology procedure take?
The approximate time for an interventional radiology-related procedure is around 30 minutes on average. This can vary, however, depending on your own specific requirements. Please call our reception team to provide you with a more accurate appointment length based on your specific procedure.
What is involved with interventional radiology procedures?
Interventional radiology procedures involve a needle being inserted into the spine at the region of concern. A local anaesthetic is given first, then another needle injects a small amount of corticoid steroid into the targeted area.
You will need to lie down on your stomach for up to 30 minutes, and throughout you will be able to talk to the Radiologist.